en.Wedoany.com Reported - Australian mining company Bayan Mining and Minerals (ASX:BMM) has launched a three-month research program in collaboration with the Hydrometallurgy Research Group at the University of Queensland, aimed at evaluating and determining the operating parameters of its exclusively licensed yttrium upgrading processing technology.
This Phase 1 program, executed by the University of Queensland's Hydrometallurgy Research Group, aims to generate technical data to refine the patented ion exchange process originally developed by the Colorado School of Mines. The technology uses iminodiacetic acid functionalized resin for ion exchange to selectively enhance yttrium content from mixed rare earth solutions.
The research will use synthetic solutions containing a rare earth element matrix derived from tailings of the historic Mary Kathleen uranium mine in Queensland, with additional doping of yttrium and some heavy rare earths. The base material is sourced from Mary Kathleen tailings, with other rare earth elements added to simulate the mineral processing composition of potential upstream partners.
Bayan stated that the program aims to determine operating parameters, resin performance, and feedstock compatibility across a range of representative rare earth processes.
During this program, Bayan will evaluate the performance of two IDA resins: the resin used in the Colorado School of Mines patented process and an alternative resin provided by Lanxess. Testing will include resin loading experiments to assess selectivity for yttrium and rare earths, followed by elution tests using sequential hydrochloric acid washes to evaluate yttrium recovery and resin regeneration performance.
"The Phase 1 research program marks a significant step for Bayan in building upon the work of the Colorado School of Mines," said Nathan Kong, CEO of Bayan. "By partnering with the University of Queensland's Hydrometallurgy Research Group, we aim to generate independent, high-quality technical data to optimize the yttrium upgrading patent and prepare the technology for pilot-scale evaluation."
The data generated through the Phase 1 program will also guide the design, scale, and configuration of any future pilot-scale program for the yttrium upgrading patent. "The ability to selectively enhance yttrium and heavy rare earths from mixed rare earth streams is increasingly strategic for commercial and defense supply chains," Kong said. "Through this program, we aim to better determine the operating window, resin performance, and feedstock compatibility of this process in Australian and international rare earth projects."
Yttrium is considered a critical mineral due to its applications in defense, aerospace, electronics, and advanced ceramics. Additionally, it is used in laser targeting and guidance systems, thermal barrier coatings for jet engines and gas turbines, and the production of specialized military ceramics and phosphors.
